Thai troops break through protest barricades in Bangkok

Thai troops have broken through protest barricades in Bangkok as the army
launched a long-planned clearance operation against opposition
demonstrations in the city centre.

By Damien McElroy and Ian MacKinnon in Bankok

4:19AM BST 19 May 2010

Heavy gunfire and explosions were heard across the city as armoured personnel carriers stormed the tyre and bamboo barricades. Troops outflanked protestor positions by storming across Lumpini Park in central Bangkok.

Hundreds of protestors remained at the main Ratchaprasong demonstration site overnight despite a military build up. As the troops moved forward, armed men on the protest side returned fire with assault rifles.

Thai TV said that five people were wounded and ambulances were seen leaving the scene, but witnesses described seeing at least one dead body and watching a protester being shot dead by troops.

As troops closed in from several sides, checkpoints were set up to filter movement in and out of the area. Platoons also used the elevated rail line cutting through the area to advance on the demonstrators and water cannons targeted staged positions.

Under a banner proclaiming "Peaceful Protestors not terrorists" the remaining protestors, including a few hundred women and children, vowed not to leave, but hours later troops were seen clearing part of the camp, taking away food and banners.

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From the north there was heavy gunfire on Wireless Road in the vicinity of the British and American embassies. Resident of the area watched in horror from roof tops as the operation began.

Government officials said that the government and army chiefs gave the order to move only after determining that leaders were incapable to disperse the demonstrations even if negotiations were successful.

"The protest must end immediately and leaders must surrender and stop the violence," said chief negotiator Korbsak Sabhavasu. Mr Korbsak blamed former prime minister Thaksin Shinwatra for preventing compromise from exile.

A government spokesman warned people in affected areas to stay indoors as troops "narrowed down" the protest area. "We would like to reassure residents of Bangkok that operations are designed to stabilise Bangkok," said Panitan Wattanayagorn. "Thank you for your cooperation." "This is D-Day," said one soldier.

Thick black smoke from a mountain of burning tires darkened the skies, billowing over the skyscrapers of a city that has been wracked by violence that killed at least 39.

The demonstrators began the protest in mid-March, `demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, dissolution of Parliament and immediate elections.

They created an encampment in Bangkok's posh downtown Rajprasong district in April, surrounding themselves by a barricade of tires and bamboo spears, some of which appeared to be in flames.

"This is the last push. Looks like the government really wants to end it this time," said Senator Lertrat Rattanawanit, who had tried to mediate between the two sides. "They have laid out the steps, giving out deadlines for people to move out and all that. It's a pity that using force is inevitable."

Asked if losses could be prevented, he said: "It's impossible."

The protest site contains dozens of office buildings and condominiums, as well as two hospitals, including one right next to the main stage.

Using loudspeakers, authorities told women and children to leave the protest site, the state-owned NBT television network reported today.

Since 1946, when King Bhumibol Adulyadej took the Thai throne as an 18-year-old, Thailand has seen nine coups and more than 20 prime ministers. Only two of 17 constitutions since absolute monarchy ended in 1932 have mandated parliaments that are entirely elected. The king, who is revered across the nation, has been in hospital since Sept. 19 and hasn't spoken publicly about the current demonstrations.

Mr Abhisit himself has never won a national election: He was picked by legislators in December 2008 after a court dissolved the pro-Thaksin ruling party for election fraud. The decision coincided with the seizure of Bangkok's airports by protesters wearing yellow shirts who oppose Mr Thaksin.